GBS test vaginal swab only?

[Barcino]

My midwife did my GBS test last week which came back negative. She gave me the choice to do both the vaginal/rectal swab or only do vaginal. I choose the vaginal only but now I am thinking maybe I should have gone with both sites to be more sure. Anybody else did only the vaginal? I am thinking about asking her to retest both sites today to make sure. Also in case of transport I believe that the doctors might not take a vaginal only swab as a true negative.

So stressful. Hopefully if I test tonight I will still test negative at both sites!

[WinterBaby]

The CNMs I saw through the first part of my prgnancy ran my GBS with the swab I took, and it was instructed to me as only vaginal. So I can only assume that was sufficient for their OB supervision. In any case, I wasn't sure I'd take the IV antibiotics so it's not something I'd persue much. I don't think it's written on the swab where you stuck it Besides, I get much more squeamish about sticking things in some places than in others

[alegna]

I didn't test at all and would not have done antibiotics even if positive.

-Angela

[Artisan]

Seeing as the true "danger" to your babe comes from vaginal GBS colonization, I would feel comfortable with the test as it stands. In case of a transfer, you have the right to refuse any tests/procedures that a doctor may try to do. You can instruct your DH to reiterate that you had a negative test, are comfortable with the results, and are making an informed decision to decline IVs/antibiotics/etc.

[Belle]

I only did the vaginal swab. I was never offed a rectal one and would have refused it anyway, since the baby doesn't come out of our rectums.

[AAK]

My midwife only does vaginal. Apparantly, the lab can tell though because they send her "reminders" that the new standard is to do both. The way she explained it to me is that GBS is common in our colons and she thinks it would be common in our rectum as well, but our babies don't come out of our rectum so she only does vaginal swabs. The rectum thing is relatively new and she thinks it is overkill.

Amy

[ZeldasMom]

I went to the hospital for preterm labor issues during my last pregnancy (fall 2003) and when they did the GBS test they only did a vaginal swab (and it came back negative).

This pregnancy I have opted not to test for GBS.The only downside of this route as I see it is IF i end up having to go to the hospital, and IF I present some risk factor (such as going 18 hours after my water has broken) I will get a lot of pressure to take antibiotics at that point. I decided I'm willing to roll the dice on that one. If I did take the test and it was positive, then they would be pressuring me to take antibiotics from the second I walked in the door.

If in the event that you are GBS+ you would want to take the antibiotics, then I *might* retest (I would discuss the reliability of just the vaginal swab with my midwife first). But if your reason for retesting would be just to make the doctors happy in the event of a transfer, I would be inclined to stick with the negative result you already have.

[jerawo]

My MW lets you swab yourself and I wish I had only done my vagina, even though you are supposed to do both. I think it's probably very common in the rectum, and I came back with a high colonization despite doing all sorts of anti-GBS treatments for the 2 weeks prior to my swab. If I decide to do the test again, I'm only going to swab my vagina.

[IfMamaAintHappy]

im doing my GBS test at home today with the vaginal swab only. If it does come back positive, I will be put on echinacea for a few days and I forget what else, but no antibiotics even if Im positive.

[Barcino]

Thanks for the replies... I think I am going to go with my negative and just make sure I keep a close eye on the baby just in case. I feel better knowing that I am not the only one choosing the vaginal only route of testing.